At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in serving food and drinks, ensuring a welcoming experience for residents.
- Company: Join a values-driven organisation focused on community and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, supportive team environment, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to equality and diversity.
- Why this job: Make a difference in residents' lives while gaining valuable customer service experience.
- Qualifications: Customer service experience and knowledge of food safety regulations preferred.
We are seeking a friendly, reliable and organised individual to join the Plaxton Court kitchen team. In this role, you will assist with the service of food to residents and visitors, ensuring that meals are delivered in an organised, safe and timely manner. You will also serve evening drinks to residents in their rooms and social spaces, always providing a helpful and welcoming service.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Cleaning tables after service
- Operating the dishwasher
- Maintaining a ‘clean as you go’ approach at all times
- Ensuring that the small kitchens are fully stocked
- Recording fridge temperatures
- Keeping all kitchen areas clean and tidy
As part of your role, you will record resident nutrition and mealtime information using the company system, Nourish, and respond to resident and staff queries in a pleasant and professional manner. You will help present food to the company’s high standards, ensuring that the quality of food and service enhances the organisation’s reputation.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in customer service within a commercial catering operation and a thorough understanding of Food Safety and Health & Safety procedures, always maintaining the highest standards of due diligence. You will be confident working positively with residents and colleagues from a wide range of backgrounds and demonstrate a solid working knowledge of current Food Safety regulations.
With excellent interpersonal and communication skills, you will be organised, self-motivated, reliable, and flexible, with a proactive attitude and a genuine commitment to delivering outstanding service in every aspect of your work.
To apply, please complete the online application. Closing date for applications is 23rd November 2025. Please note that we will be shortlisting and interviewing on an ongoing basis and reserve the right to bring the closing date forward should enough quality applications be received.
We are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace, where all colleagues can be themselves. At JRF/JRHT we believe in giving everyone an equal chance to succeed. Applications are welcome from all regardless of age, disability, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief, race, sex, sexual orientation, trans status or social economic background. We positively encourage applications from people with experience of living in poverty.
We are a Disability Confident Employer. This means that we are committed to the recruitment, progression and retention of disabled individuals. We shall also offer interviews to disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria for the job. If you have a disability, please tell us if you would like to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme.
Food Service Assistant - Relief in Scalby employer: Joseph Rowntree
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation is an exceptional employer, deeply rooted in the County Durham community and committed to fostering equitable and just futures. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer a supportive and flexible work environment that encourages collaboration and innovation, allowing you to make a meaningful impact alongside passionate colleagues. Our culture prioritises diversity, inclusion, and social justice, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute to transformative change in the region.
We think you need these skills to ace Food Service Assistant - Relief in Scalby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When you're filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your enthusiasm for the role and how your experiences align with what we’re looking for.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. If you've got a background in customer service or food safety, shout about it! We love seeing how you can contribute to our team.
Follow Instructions:Pay close attention to the application instructions. We’ve made it easy for you to apply through our website, so make sure you follow the steps carefully to avoid any hiccups in the process.
Proofread Your Work:Before hitting that submit button, give your application a good once-over. Typos and errors can distract from your great qualifications, so take a moment to ensure everything is polished and professional.
How to prepare for a job interview at Joseph Rowntree
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you understand the responsibilities of a Food Service Assistant. Familiarise yourself with tasks like serving food, maintaining cleanliness, and using the Nourish system. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
Since this role involves interacting with residents and visitors, be prepared to discuss your previous customer service experience. Think of specific examples where you went above and beyond to provide excellent service. This will demonstrate your commitment to creating a welcoming environment.
✨Brush Up on Food Safety Knowledge
Given the importance of Food Safety and Health & Safety procedures in this role, review current regulations and best practices. Be ready to discuss how you’ve applied these in past roles, as this will highlight your understanding and dedication to maintaining high standards.
✨Emphasise Your Teamwork and Flexibility
This position requires working closely with colleagues from diverse backgrounds. Prepare to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in a team setting. Also, express your willingness to adapt and take on various tasks, showcasing your proactive attitude.
